Back
Happy New Year to all you cowboys and girls! As you know, a new year is the perfect time to bring good changes into your life. It's even more meaningful considering that this year marks the start of the 2020s. But did you folks know that we are also starting a new 12-year cycle according to the Chinese zodiac? That's right - 2020 really is a very special year. Let's find out more about the year of the Metal Rat and why this is your best chance to catch the winning spirit - saddle up and let's go!
How Well Do You Know The Chinese Zodiac?
The Chinese zodiac, much like our Western zodiac, is divided into 12 cycles. Each one is represented by an animal. It begins with the Rat, followed by the Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey (check out our Magic Monkey online slot while you’re at it!), Rooster, Dog and finally the Pig. But how did this order actually came to be? Well, it's time to tell you folks a little story.
One day, the Jade Emperor decided to take 12 animals as his guards (kind of like when you pop open a game of Jungle King . And so, a race to cross the Heavenly Gates began - the first one to cross would be ranked higher than the others. Now here is where the story gets interesting. You see, it happens that these brave animals ran into a river. This obviously meant trouble for most of them.
The Ox was the first one to venture into crossing. But since the big guy was also kind-hearted, it accepted a request to take the Rat and the Cat on its back. When the three came close to complete the crossing, the Rat pushed the Cat into the water and then jumped ahead of the Ox (while that reminds us, Cash Cow could be your perfect slot to start with!). Our smart little fellow was the first one to enter the Heavenly Gate, with the Ox coming second. The last one to cross the line was the Pig, while the poor Cat drowned and did not make the cut. This is why the Cat isn't part of the Chinese zodiac - Although, our Fat Cat slot still make the cut at Red Stag. The episode led to the Cat and Rat’s rivalry, as well to the felines' aversion to water.
The Chinese calendar is divided into five elements - the Wu Xing: Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal and Water. By combining the animals and the Wu Xing, we get a 60-year cycle - the ganzhi. The current sexagenarian cycle began in 1984 and will end in 2044. Also, keep in mind that we are talking about a lunar calendar, meaning that a new year begins with the New Moon. So, the Chinese New Year - or Lunar New Year - will be celebrated on January 25th, 2020. While we have plenty of animal-themed, thrilling games to choose from, our Aussie players may want to have a go on Kanga Cash- A real hit Down Under!
The Year of the Metal Rat - 2020 Since the Lunar New Year has a bit of a "late start", there is still some time left for you folks to plan everything out. Have you already come up with those new year resolutions? Let me offer you some advice, and of course, a good start is on our Promotions page .
The folks here at the Ranch are quite optimistic about this year. According to the Chinese calendar, 2020 is the year of the Metal Rat. The Metal element symbolizes strength, persistence, courage and firmness. As a personality trait, Metal means business-oriented, self-reliant, with good problem-solving skills.
The Rat, meanwhile, is also self-reliant and great at solving problems, with a keen sense for business. A Rat knows how to handle cash, saving when needed but no shying away from spending it when the opportunity arises. The Rat is also a charming individual, which means that this year also offers great opportunities to find your one true love... in gaming!
So, how to make the most out of the year of the Metal Rat? As you can see, this is your chance to win big, folks! Make sure you cowboys and girls follow the Rat's example and spend wisely - find out which slots suit your style and then get to winning! Make sure to take every opportunity this year offers - after all, the Metal Rat and its many chances to win big with money and love only comes once every 60 years; our Progressive Jackpots , though, are much more common. Time to hit the road and join us on the wild side at Red Stag!